Turning point for democracy in England and Oxford's involvement

As the world gets ready to celebrate the Magna Carta and the 800 years since it was issued, another equally important, if not more, event is in danger of being over looked.

750 years ago an extraordinary parliament was held, one which was far more progressive and inclusive than the elitist gatherings prior to this. Usually a meeting between the King and his chosen advisers, this parliament included representatives from counties and boroughs, dealing with wider issues such as taxation.

This was, impart, a response to the efforts of Simon De Motfort after a meeting in Oxford when he demanded the King follow a programme of reform. The resulting council which would share power with the King would help to shape our first shoots of democracy.

Want to see the room in which this revolutionary meeting took place? Check out our Oxford University Tour.